2001 Guide to Watches

Watch the watches.

Gone are the days of the simple stopwatch. Runners now demand lap memory and recall, numerous alarms, counters and timers, even pace and pulse calculators—all presented with simplicity and wrapped up in a trendy design. As more manufacturers enter the market, the bar continues to rise. Herein we review the latest watch offerings. We're confident that whatever your demands, you will find something that suits your needs.

Nike RevealTime (analog & digital); Chronograph; Timer; Alarm$89.00For the runner who wants a watch for workouts and for the office, the Reveal integrates analog and digital displays in an attractive package. The small display can be difficult to read on the run, and the Reveal will not save your lap splits.

Casio G-ShockTime; Chronograph; Alarm; File$79.00Designed to withstand abuse, the G-Shock incorporates a couple of novel features. The Time function allows you to shuttle through several international cities, while the File function saves brief notes and telephone numbers. The Chronograph display is small, and only two splits can be saved, but if you want a watch that you won’t have to worry about as you thrash through trails, then the G-Shock is a safe bet.

adidas SP 50Time; 50-Lap Memory; Chronograph; Data Recall; Timers; Pace & Speed Calculators; Alarms$85.00The SP 50 offers large numbers for easy reading, automatically saved splits, and even a pacing mode to check your cadence. The chronograph also recalls best and average lap times. All of these features come at a price, however, as the SP 50 is bulky. The size was not too noticeable while running, but was too large to wear for the rest of the day under a long sleeve button-down shirt.

Suunto VectorTime; Alarms; Chronograph; Timer; Altimeter; Barometer; Compass$199.00Billed as a "Wristop Computer," the Vector may be a bit much for the average runner, but if you tend to veer off the beaten path, several features might be useful. The Vector offers a barometer/altimeter to measure your total ascent and descent, and a compass so you'll always know which direction you're going. This watch might be just right for runners who participate in orienteering or trail/mountain races.

Timex Ironman Triathlon i-ControlTime; 50-Lap Memory; Chronograph; Timer; Alarm; Counter$48.00Timex’s new i-Control technology is an incredibly easy way of setting your watch. Instead of repeatedly punching buttons, you can simply twist the i-Control ring on the watch’s face to set the time, date and alarm. The ring is also used to shuttle between watch functions. The increased size the of the numbers, compared to other Timex models, makes the display easier to read.

Freestyle PredatorTime; 100-Lap Memory; Chronograph; Data Recall; Timers; Alarm$60.00The Predator is nice and small for a 100-lap watch with nearly all the features we’ve come to expect. One useful feature is that splits are automatically saved upon resetting the chronograph. On the other hand, when clearing the memory you must delete everything at once.

Timex Rush VO2Time; 50-Lap Memory; Chronograph; Timers; Alarm$48.00The women’s Rush VO2 watch is another solid standby from Timex. Similar in operation and function to the perennial favorite the Timex Ironman, the Rush is even easier to operate. This is the perfect timepiece for runners who want a no-frills watch. It will store and recall up to 50 splits, although they are displayed on the lower, smaller display during workouts. The functions can easily be mastered in one sitting with the help of the prompts that appear on the face. Other Rush models include a convenient pulse calculator. Like the Nike Triax, the Rush is easier to operate when worn on the left wrist.

Nike Triax-42 ReflectiveTime; 42-Lap Memory; Chronograph; Data Recall; Timers; Counter; Alarms$99.00The Triax-42 retains the sleek design and excellent fit that we have come to expect of Nike watches. Designed specifically for the runner, the Triax features an angled display and large numbers for easy reading. The functions are simple to master, and the wristband (which is designed for the left wrist) fits so well that you won’t even notice that you have a watch on.

Timex Triathlon 8-LapTime; 8-Lap Memory; Chronograph; Timer; Alarm; Counter$40.00If you’re not concerned with saving a month’s worth of runs on your wrist, or recording every mile split in your next marathon, then the Triathlon is a great choice. Simple and sleek, this watch has an 8-lap memory, plus the usual menu of options. The Start/Stop and Split/Reset buttons are conveniently located on the face—a design that many watches have moved away from.

Casio Personal TrainerTime; Exercise (includes Chronograph); Pace; Alarm; Countdown Alarm$39.95Casio has taken a simple watch and added several features to appeal to the fitness junkie. Once you have programmed your pace, stride length, age and weight into the watch, the Personal Trainer will estimate calories consumed, distance covered, and number of strides taken during your workout.

adidas Logo DigiTime; Chronograph; Alarm$45.00The Logo Digi is refreshingly simple. With large numbers for easy reading, and only two functions, adidas has provided the bare essentials. On the down-side, the form fitted plastic of the strap may not fit all wrist sizes snugly.

Timex Ironman Triathlon 100-LapTime; 100-Lap Memory; Chronograph; Timer; Alarm; Memo$60.00The Ironman 100-lap has everything the serious runner would want. The memory allows you to save as many splits as you should ever need—and records the dates for each of your stored runs as well. Splits can then be viewed in either forward or reverse order, with the watch calculating your average split as well as presenting your fastest lap.